SAM SHARPE – A JAMAICAN HERO
Cover image by Oliver BitYah
His name may not be as popular as famed freedom fighters and advocates for freedom like Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Frantz Fanon, Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, or Martin Luther King Jr. But his singular act that stirred the Christmas Rebellion of 1831 – 1832 in Montego Bay is recorded as the foundational element that provoked the bill that ended slavery in the British Empire. Although he was captured and executed in 1833 for his role in the rebellion, 28 year old gladly chose and faced death rather than to be a slave and grow seeing his race in slavery.
Sam Sharpe was a Creole, born into slavery at Montego Bay, St James Parish, on a plantation owned by Samuel and Batty Sharpe. The two, who were slave owners, took interest in Sam. Thus, Sam was named after his slave owner and he was allowed to learn to read and write. However, his dissatisfaction remained as he did not understand that a man should own another man. So, growing up, Sam Sharpe aimed at ways to liberate slaves. He joined the Baptist ministry, a non-conformist church which stood against slavery. Burchell Baptist Church in Montego Bay was his home. From the role of class leader in the church, he became a Deacon and a preacher, working toward his aim.
When the call by British humanitarians, Abolitionists, and non-conformist churches grew stronger, Sam Sharpe pushed his idea of liberating slaves further. He convinced many slaves to stand up against slave owners and refuse to work until they were paid. Sam’s aim climaxed Sam’s aim climaxed 25 – 27 December 1831 – a three day passive resistance where all slaves would put down their tools until they were paid. Unfortunately, the planned quiet sit down broke out into pockets of violence that grew out of proportion, as a result of the involvement of militant persons who wanted to demonstrate their determination to end slavery through violent action.
The violence resulted in the destruction of property. A rebellion broke out as 50,000 slaves were freed as a result of the action. It was not until January 1832 that the rebellion was calmed by superior military forces. The extent of the rioting and disturbances moved Sam Sharpe to give himself up to the authorities. He kept his composure and calm demeanour while in prison. He continued to preach to, encourage and pray for his fellow prisoners.
The odds were not to his advantage, as he was sentenced to death after he admitted responsibility for the Christmas Rebellion, which is also known as the Baptist War because a number of church members were part. He was hanged at the market square at Montego Bay on 23rd May, 1832.
Sam Sharpe left a lasting legacy, as slavery was abolished in all of the British Empire two years after his death. The spirit of freedom Sam fought for spread abroad after he became a martyr. This is a significant achievement that cemented Sam Sharpe’s place as a key figure in the fight for the black race.
In 1975, he was installed a National Hero of Jamaica. His face on the 500 Jamaican dollar note as an honour to his memory and legacy and his statue stands at Sam Sharpe Square at Montego Bay, St. James Parish in Jamaica.
